Spyware is a malware program that utilizes your internet connection, without your knowledge, to collect and send out information to other computers/databases about your recent internet activity (i.e. downloads, most visited sites, home address, phone number, etc.) The software is most often associated with corporate gain and its intention is to advertise to the user without the user actually visiting their personal web site. Spyware first reared its ugly head in the mid nineties and has been exponentially appearing on personal computers ever since. All of your computer usage habits and history are susceptible to the software and is stolen without your knowledge and can be very difficult to detect without the proper software. Spyware varies and operates in several different ways to perform different functions such as:

Spyware integrates itself onto your personal computer in many different ways. It can attach itself to a downloaded program, or the majority of the time it appears when you activate a “pop up” that claims that you are required to install a file or plug-in. When you are prompted to download such items, always be weary and proceed with caution as this is the most common method of spyware transmission to your personal computer. This particular form of spyware is referred to as “adware” and is associated with software programs that push advertisements and redirect the user to the web site in question. Adware is most often associated with pop-up windows, and often you can’t get rid of them by trying to close the window. When you are tricked into downloading these documents, that particular method of transmission of spyware is referred to as the Trojan horse method and is seen most frequently.

There is another form of spyware which is referred to as a “key logger” that is intentionally installed by a shared user, a manager, or corporate company to monitor the computer usage of its employees. This type of program can also be utilized by parents who are looking to keep an eye on their children and ensure that they aren’t visiting inappropriate or unsafe web sites without their knowledge.

Due to the increase in spyware appearing throughout homes all over the world, there has been a large insurgence of companies that promote and offer an anti-spyware program to combat the ill effects of spyware on a consumer’s personal computer. The appearance of these defense mechanisms for your computer has drastically cut down on the success of spyware, but unfortunately not the presence of the programs. Most of these programs are included with the purchase of a new computer or are very affordable stand-alone.